Album Notes

Train of Thought hails from the woods of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Weighing in at a solid 177 six-packs, the band throws down with a varied attack of meaty, chainsaw riffing, singing, yelling, a capella, off-kilter time signatures, strong harmonies, bowel loosening bass lines, and straight-up headbanging grooves. Mixing slight tastes of numerous musical styles, cerebral writing abilities, a healthy dose of "Who Cares?!" attitude, they craft song after song of fist-pumping, drink-in-the-air metal that just isn't done enough anymore. Train of Thought serves their brand of rock with the passion of four friends who like to drink beer and jam out, and could care less if you like them or not. The story begins in the mid-90's, when drummer Ed Bilodeau, started Train of Thought in the loft of his parent's garage. As with most bands, members came and went. Within a few years, they settled on being a trio, Eric Burlingham on guitar and vocals and Bob Quaine on the four string. Releasing their self-produced, self-financed album "Lessons Learned" in 2000, they garnered respect from bands and crowds alike. After winning a number of Battle of the Bands, including contests sponsored by 94.1 WHJY and 103.7 FNX, they went back into the studio to record the sophomore effort, "Words From Wisdom" in 2002. Sonically, this CD was leaps and bounds over it's predecessor. Their popularity allowed them to share the stage with acts such as Black Label Society, Tesla, Flotsam and Jetsam, Quiet Riot, Overkill, and a countless amount of local bands forming in the Rhode Island scene. However, after the tragedy at The Station nightclub in 2003, that scene quickly fell apart. Clubs were scrutinized, crowds turned skeptical, shows became empty, Most bands called it a day. As '03 moved in to '04, Train of Thought was on that same cliff. The idea of enlisting a second guitar player was on their mind, when they received a call from Jake Perry, formerly of the band Mind Gravel. As a friend and a fan, Jake asked the same question they had been asking themselves. Sensing the sudden upswing in motivation, after adding Jake to the fold, Bob figured it was a good time to bow out and spend time with his family. With a slew of freshly bandless musicians to choose, they tapped Dennis Stimpert, formerly of Liquid Destruction, and Dead and Gone. Having known each other for years, playing in the RI metal scene together, the re-energized Train of Thought began writing tunes that they want to hear. Performing sporadically, the guys laid low for well over a year, fine tuning and perfecting the new music. In early 2007, Train of Thought went into the studio. This time to Static Productions in their own hometown. With Pete LaGrasse tweaking knobs, the band laid down 12 songs of shockingly tight arrangements, most in one take. In June of 2007, Train of Thought released it's third album entitled "Half Empty Independence". A collection of songs showcasing the band's talent, while sending a message of trying to make it by in working class modern America. Acclaimed by critics saying "The album makes you feel like these guys are already signed to a major label" (localbandsri.com), "The best metal to come out of this area in a LONG time" (The Godfather, WCNI 90.9 New London) "That was bad ass" (Unidentified drunk guy at the end of the bar). With a new record in their pocket, Train of Thought stands poised, ready to take over the world. Or at least, drink a few beers and make some noise up in that garage at Ed's parent's house